FIVE YEAR OLD KILLED IN PUTNAM COUNTY VEHICLE ACCIDENT

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigation an accident that took place early Saturday morning in Putnam County that claimed the life of a 5-year-old Colorado boy. Troopers say a 2015 Mitsubishi driven by 20-year-old Richard G. Collins of Hobbs, New Mexico was traveling at a high rate of speed on Interstate 40 at the 285 mile marker when he struck the rear of a 2008 Honda CRV driven by 48-year-old Lorena D. Nathan of Charlestown, West Virginia. The impact caused Nathans vehicle to roll several times. The boy from Denver, Colorado was a passenger in Nathans vehicle and he was ejected from the car during the rollovers. The boy was pronounced deceased at Cookeville Regional Hospital. Nathan was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries. Collins was not hurt in the crash.

Troopers say the accident remains under investigation with citations pending.